Can I just keep it as a hobby?

No more side hustles; calming Spotify playlists for you

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“Wow! You make such pretty, delicious cakes for everyone’s birthday. Have you thought of starting a bakery?”

“You spent a great deal of time and money on that pottery course. Why aren’t you organising workshops? Maybe you could even open a pottery studio. You bought this costly pottery wheel just like that?”

Have you heard something similar about your hobby?

I have.

But people… can we just do things for fun? Because if not, then what are we living for?

Let’s normalise spending time and money to take a workshop, join a full-fledged course, or even enrol in a degree program - just because we’re curious.

Not to launch a side hustle. Not to turn it into a business.

Just for joy. Zero pressure.

I had the chance to meet a fellow artist last week. Among the many things we discussed about living a creative life, one topic stuck: how society builds up this pressure when you become good at something.

Even without realising it, you start pressuring yourself to turn your hobby into a side hustle. That’s what you’ve heard is the next step — the default path suggested by everyone.

Your mind starts assuming that monetisation is the obvious next step. That doing something well means you should turn it into work.

While talking to her, I realised how real that trap was for me. I’ve fallen into it too. Though I never acted on the suggestions, I definitely listened. 😉

And even that act of entertaining the idea? It changes something.

I found myself rushing, trying to reach “somewhere,” and in the process, I lost the fun. My body gently said, “No. This doesn’t feel good. This isn’t my path.”

We also talked about how, when money enters the picture, something that once calmed you can slowly turn into a dreadful obligation.

From picking up your crochet needle to unwind, you’re now rushing to make 25 scarves to meet order deadlines.

The joy fades. Anxiety grows. Don’t do that to yourself. The world needs more calm people :)

For me, my hobbies are a way to get my mind away from the worldly chaos and materialism. It’s my way of telling my body: I am OK, a way to calm my nervous system.

Trying a new crochet pattern, learning Procreate without a goal in mind, or making those handmade abstract sculptures… all of these are my small, sacred ways of inviting newness and presence into my day.

(And yes, I do get very serious about figuring out those crochet patterns sometimes 😉)

I recently read that when you lose touch with a hobby and want to return to it, a good place to start is by making something for someone you love.

I’ve gifted little handmade pieces to friends and family, not because they asked, but because I wanted to.

And their smile? That joy? That’s my profit. 💛

I wouldn’t mind someone picking up what I create and saying they want to buy it. But making more of the same things? I just can’t. My hands aren’t ready for replication or for following someone else’s drafts. So, to all the kind friends who asked me to make coffee mugs for them... I’m really sorry. You might not be getting one 😬

For some, turning a hobby into a “side hustle” may feel like the next right step. But before you make that leap, ask yourself: Is it truly for me? Or is it for the version of me the world keeps expecting?

So, dear world, as much as you want your crocheter/baker/ceramicist/… friend to “find their calling”...

Please don’t push it.
Let them feel the pull.
Let them take their own sweet time to discover.

Take a Little Pause 🌼

Is your hobby on the verge of becoming a side hustle? How would you feel if it did?

I’d love to hear. 😊

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My Moment of Pause/Calm🌿

My first few morning hours - walking/running in a nearby park, followed by yoga asanas, pranayama (breathing exercises), chanting, and meditation.

Lately, I’ve been feeling calm and deeply trusting that things will work out.

Also listening to new playlists suggested by other Substackers in this note :) Feel free to add yours!

What have you heard, seen, or done this week that brought you a moment of calm? I’d love to hear! 💛

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Now?

Sharing what I’m watching, reading, and learning!

📺 Slowly watching: Nothing at the moment. Any suggestions?
📖 Happily reading: Keep Going by Austin Kleon, Practical Yoga Psychology by Dr. Rishi Vivekananda, Art and Fear by David Bayles & Ted Orland, Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson(More book recs? Check my list!)
🎨 Doing: Just being :)

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PS: If this newsletter brought you a moment of calm or a spark of inspiration, feel free to share it with a friend! You can also tap the ❤️ button so others can discover it on Substack. No pressure—just love and good vibes. 💛

Ways to support my creative journey 🎨✨

• License my illustrations – Because your brand deserves more than just another stock image. 😉

• Hire me to illustrate for your brand or upcoming book – Test the waters with a one-time offer!

• Become a paid Patreon - A little pause, right on your screen. Get an exclusive smartphone wallpaper each month✨💛

Take care! 💛
Rachna

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I write Take a Little Pause for those who wish to live a wholehearted life. This newsletter is a journal of my experiments in living wholeheartedly, with each post accompanied by visuals created by me. If you’re on a similar journey, subscribe for free, or consider becoming a paid Patreon to support my writing and help me publish a coffee-table book. 💛